Bend Man Arrested in Wild DUII Crash
Police called to a possible fight at a northeast Bend apartment complex Monday afternoon said they instead learned that one resident had chased and caught another who allegedly tried to steal a landscaper?s truck but instead crashed it into a sign pole, then ran.
Alcohol was a factor in the crash, which left behind more than $2,000 in damage, said Lt. Brian Kindel.
Police were dispatched to the Cedar West Apartments at 825 NE Watt Way (behind Costco) around 1 p.m. on the reported altercation, Kindel said.
Officers investigating at the scene learned resident Jesse Beltis, 37, allegedly jumped into a 4A Landscaping truck and trailer without permission, while the firm was doing work at the apartments.
The drop-down gate of the trailer was still on the ground when Beltis got in and began backing the truck, first jackknifing the trailer and truck, then hitting a sign pole, Kindel said.
The pole was knocked into the second story of the apartments, damaging the pole and sign, also breaking an apartment window and damaging some siding, Kindell said. The truck and trailer also received damage, the lieutenant said
After the crash, Beltis reportedly ran toward Costco, but another resident chased after him and detained him until officers arrived, Kindel said.
Beltis was arrested and lodged in the Deschutes County Jail on charges of DUII, unauthorized use of a motor vehicle, first-degree criminal mischief, failure to perform the duties of a driver (with property damage) and driving with a suspended license.
